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The award-winning Para 3 Lightweight is rapidly redefining the state-of-the-art in ultralight cutting tools. Its PlainEdge blade is full-flat ground from CPM-SPY27 stainless steel and supported by a streamlined version of Spyderco's patented Compression Lock. To complement the blade's finish, the screws and reversible deep-pocket carry clip on its injection-molded, fiberglass-reinforced-nylon (FRN) handle also sport a satin finish.
About CPM-SPY27
Spyderco has long been an industry leader in the use of exotic, high-performance blade steels. After years of using the best materials the world’s leading steel manufacturers could provide, they decided it was time to create their own. In close cooperation with Crucible Industries, they've developed CPM-SPY27 - a particle metallurgy stainless steel containing a proprietary mix of alloys, including vanadium, molybdenum, niobium, nitrogen, and cobalt. This remarkable composition, enhanced by the amplifying effects of cobalt and the state-of-the-art Crucible Particle Metallurgy process is produced exclusively for Spyderco and will be featured in select USA-made models. Every knife made with this steel will also have a distinctive cobalt-blue handle color that highlights its elite pedigree.
Specifications
- Blade Length: 2.92"
- Cutting Edge: 2.58"
- Closed Length: 4.29"
- Overall Length: 7.21"
- Blade Thickness: 0.145"
- Hold Diameter: 0.55"
- Blade Material: CPM-SPY27 Stainless Steel
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Grind: Full-Flat
- Blade Finish: Satin
- Handle Material: Cobalt Blue FRN
- Locking Mechanism: Compression Lock
- Pocket Clip: Tip-Up, Left/Right Carry
- Weight: 2.4 oz.
- Made in the USA
1 Review
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Para 3 LW for the Win
I have been a fan of Spydercos for years, but the G10 Para 3 didn’t do it for me…the weight to size ratio didn’t compare with the balance of a Para 2 LW IMO. When they came out with a FRN version in their SPY27, I figured I’d give it a shot. Heart of Texas Armory has a great deal on it, so it was a no-brainer to order from them. I’ve only had the knife for a few days, but it’s already replaced my Manix 2 LW as my EDC. That’s saying quite a lot, as the M2LW is one of my favorite knives of all time. I just find that for most of what I need the smaller P3 is better. Plus - I like playing with it a bit more. The weight to size ratio is crazy good. The FRN is a perfect pairing for this knife - I like it MUCH better than the G10 version. The ergos are just right for my hands (glove size large), either holding it full or choked up using the choil. The jimping is really nice, and doesn’t bite at all. And I much prefer the compression lock to the bearing lock on the Manix., but that’s just personal preference. Obviously, I haven’t had time to see how the edge retention is on SPY27 yet, but I honed the blade on my Sharpmaker with the Ultra Fine rods, and the results are ridiculous…possibly the sharpest knife that I’ve ever owned. I didn’t expect that, and I only went 10 passes on each side on the edges, then 10 each on the flats of the rods. I really don’t think it could get much sharper, so I stopped. I don’t know what Spyderco figured out with Crucible here, but the online reviews don’t do this steel justice for sharpening. There is no lock stick, but the action needs to work itself out. It’s not bad, but I’d like it to run smoother. I’m just going to fidget and use it for a few weeks until it loosens up. Blade centering is about 60/40 to the left, but whatever - it’s not hitting the edge. Still, it does bug me a bit - I might mess with it. Overall, this is a winner, and one of the best smaller lightweight knives I’ve ever held. I could tell within minutes that it was a keeper for me. If I need more blade, I’ll carry my Shaman, but this Para 3 LW is going to get a lot of pocket time.
